Do leaf nitrogen resorption dynamics align with the slow‐fast continuum? A test at the intraspecific level

The links between internal nitrogen recycling through the process of resorption from senescing leaves, whole-plant resource-use strategies and performance remain elusive. Indeed, tests such potential linkages are hampered by classical evaluation plant efficiency (REN) based on ‘snapshots’ leaf concentration adult senescent leaves. We significantly increased resolution for measuring non-destructively tracking time courses in leaves 137 natural Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes native to a wide range climates across Europe, grown greenhouse. In addition measurement efficiency, we computed relative maximum rate (RRN), that is, amount remobilized per unit nitrogen, together with slow–fast syndrome traits at levels. Across genotypes, high rates efficiencies were associated low specific area late flowering. RRN showed significant heritability, genetic associations was negatively correlated mean annual temperature populations. By contrast, despite evidence correlation temperature, REN lower heritability no association, questioning mechanisms resorption. Overall, our results suggest much stronger adaptive role than previously uncovered. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.